Ladyfinger Cactus, Golden Stars
Mammillariaelongata

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Mammillaria (mam-mil-AR-ee-uh)
Species: elongata (ee-long-GAH-tuh)

Synonym:Mammillaria elongata subsp. elongata

Synonym:Chilita elongata

Synonym:Leptocladodia elongata

Synonym:Leptocladodia elongata

Synonym:Neomammillaria elongata

Category
Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Succulent

Foliage Color
Bronze
Blue-Green

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)

Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)
12-15 in. (30-38 cm)
15-18 in. (38-45 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual

Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color
Pale Yellow
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
From seed; germinate in vitro in gelatin, agar or other medium

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored